Introduction
Our Sages tell us that on a birthday, one’s “spiritual power is predominant.” Consequently, on the birthday of a Leader of Jewry, the power of the entire nation is predominant. In the case of Jewry’s ultimate Leader, Moshe Rabbeinu, this predominance not only exists on the 7th of Adar—when Moshe was born—but throughout the month of Adar. For that reason, the Midrash considers it as if Moshe had been born on the 1st day of the month, which encapsulates the entire month.
During Adar, then, the power of Moshe Rabbeinu—and by extension, all Jewry—is predominant and manifested. In a leap year, when the month of Adar is repeated, both months contain this virtue, and both are celebrated with great—even doubled—joy.
Utilize the Power for Joy
From the immediate start of the month of Adar, we should begin utilizing the abilities that are now manifested in order to increase in all joyful matters. Each of us should make positive resolutions—and begin implementing them in actuality—to attempt to increase in joyful matters in every way possible.
A Month of Moshe
Although the Sages of the Midrash knew of the teaching recorded in Kiddushin, proving that Moshe was in fact born on the 7th of Adar, the key to happiness is the commencement (the “opening”) of an undertaking, which contains unique power. In this case, the commencement of the month of Adar “opens the channels” of joy for all the subsequent days of Adar.
The Key to Happiness
The commencement of the month of Adar “opens the channels” of joy for all the subsequent days of Adar. We should begin implementing this literally, immediately, on this very day of Shabbos—particularly since it is Shabbos Mevorchim Adar—by saying “LeChaim” on “wine that gladdens.”
Earliest Start—Even Before Adar
The principle, “When Adar enters, we increase joy,” includes the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar, although it is technically the last day of the previous month of Shevat. In fact, we should begin increasing joy on Shabbos Mevorchim Adar (the last Shabbos in Shevat), for it is then that we first begin to “enter” Adar, to the extent that blessings for the entire month of Adar are then elicited.
Is It Really Adar?
Although the first day of Rosh Chodesh is technically the 30th day of Shevat, nevertheless, since it is also the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar, it is therefore included in the principle “When Adar enters, we increase joy.” Research is required regarding the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar, to determine whether it is included in the concept of “the month which was transformed into rejoicing, etc.” and by extension, in the law that “the Megillah may be read during the entire month of Adar.”
Second Day of Rosh Chodesh
Unlike the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar, which is also the 30th of Shevat, in fact, being the 30th of Shevat, it bears the hallmark of Shevat more than that of Adar. For that reason, the first day of Rosh Chodesh simply cannot convey the complete state of “When Adar enters.”
Month of Unbridled Joy
The joy of Purim transcends that of the festivals. The joy of the festivals is limited—to the extent that “the Jewish Court is obliged to post policemen during the festivals, and task them with patrolling even in the gardens and orchards” to prevent undesirable behavior that might result from excessive frivolity. On Purim, conversely, the joy is completely unlimited—so that our Sages tell us, “On Purim, we are obliged to drink wine to the point where we do not know the difference between ‘Blessed be Mordechai’ and ‘Cursed be Haman.’”
Further, the entire month of Adar has similar status to Purim, so that “When Adar enters, we immediately increase joy.” The entire month should be Purimdik, with unbridled joy. Nevertheless, simply discussing this and making resolutions about it is insufficient. Rather, “the main thing is the deed,” as it is explained in Tanya. We should experience literal joy. Why, then, all this discussion? It is only that in order to achieve action, we need to first promote this issue—well in advance, even before Rosh Chodesh Adar.
Start Now
We should begin implementing this literally, immediately, on this very day of Shabbos—particularly since it is Shabbos Mevorchim Adar—by saying “LeChaim” on “wine that gladdens.”
